Abstract
ObjectivesThis study examined the incidence and severity of impostorism in third-year medical students as they transitioned from the preclinical to clinical phases of training. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in third-year medical students (N=215). Respondents completed a voluntary, anonymous, 60-item survey that included the Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale and the Perceived Stress Scale. Student’s-t, Mann-Whitney, and Chi-Square tests and Pearson correlation were used to determine differences between subgroups of students and relationships between instruments scores and demographic parameters. ResultsFifty-nine percent of students responded with N=112 (59% female) completing at least one instrument. The mean impostor score was 63.0 ± 14.6 (moderate-to-frequent impostor feelings) and was 9% higher in females (U=1181, p = .046). Perceived Stress scores for females were 17% higher than males (t(109)=2.87, p=.005). Females had lower United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 scores (t(107)= 3.06, p=.003). Impostor and perceived stress scores were correlated for males (r(46)=.47, p=.002) and females (r(64)=.54,p<.0001). Impostor and USMLE Step 1 scores were negatively correlated for males (r(45) =-.32, p= .034) but not females (r(63) = -.11, p=.40). Conclusions These findings demonstrate the intercorrelation between impostorism and stress in male and female medical students and raise interesting questions regarding the contributions of gender and other factors involved with medical training.
Highlights
Impostor phenomenon is the experience of doubting one’s accomplishments and abilities despite evidence to the contrary and fearing exposure as an “impostor”.1,2 The phenomenon was first described in women and believed to be a static trait, but it has since been shown to affect men and to be a situational affective response.3 It is associated with psychological characteristics such as perfectionism, neuroticism, and anxiety, and can contribute to stress, loss of motivation, and the inability to enjoy successes
Impostor and United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 scores were negatively correlated for males (r(45) =-.32, p= .034) but not females (r(63) = -.11, p=.40). These findings demonstrate the intercorrelation between impostorism and stress in male and female medical students and raise interesting questions regarding the contributions of gender and other factors involved with medical training
Medical students with impostorism have been found to have higher levels of psychological distress that contributes to anxiety, depression, burnout, contemplating dropping out of medical school, and suicidal ideation
Summary
Impostor phenomenon is the experience of doubting one’s accomplishments and abilities despite evidence to the contrary and fearing exposure as an “impostor”.1,2 The phenomenon was first described in women and believed to be a static trait, but it has since been shown to affect men and to be a situational affective response. It is associated with psychological characteristics such as perfectionism, neuroticism, and anxiety, and can contribute to stress, loss of motivation, and the inability to enjoy successes. The phenomenon was first described in women and believed to be a static trait, but it has since been shown to affect men and to be a situational affective response.. The phenomenon was first described in women and believed to be a static trait, but it has since been shown to affect men and to be a situational affective response.3 It is associated with psychological characteristics such as perfectionism, neuroticism, and anxiety, and can contribute to stress, loss of motivation, and the inability to enjoy successes. Medical students with impostorism have been found to have higher levels of psychological distress that contributes to anxiety, depression, burnout, contemplating dropping out of medical school, and suicidal ideation.. Impostorism impedes students’ identity formation as physicians.. Impostorism impedes students’ identity formation as physicians.12 This detrimental effect on wellbeing can, in turn, negatively impact patient care. Impostorism affects nearly half of female and one-fourth of male medical students. Medical students with impostorism have been found to have higher levels of psychological distress that contributes to anxiety, depression, burnout, contemplating dropping out of medical school, and suicidal ideation. Impostorism impedes students’ identity formation as physicians. This detrimental effect on wellbeing can, in turn, negatively impact patient care.
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